Ben Simmons tears right Achilles, ending his Sacramento Kings comeback attempt

Ben Simmons was close to returning to the NBA after a prolonged absence. He had not played during the 2025-26 season and was expected to start for Sacramento this year, according to CBS Sports.

The comeback followed rehabilitation from back surgeries, according to Shams Charania. The Sydney Morning Herald put his absence at 538 days, with the new season due to begin on Wednesday.

On September 4, Simmons agreed to a one-year, $3.5 million contract with the Kings, according to ESPN, which described him as a three-time All-Star. That deal set up a return after his missed season.

On October 18, Simmons suffered the injury during practice. L'Équipe reported that the 30-year-old had ruptured his right Achilles tendon, ending his season.

An MRI confirmed the torn right Achilles, Shams Charania reported on October 18. The confirmation came just before Simmons was due to make his NBA return.

The supplied reports use different levels of certainty. ESPN, in coverage dated October 19, described a suspected tear following a preliminary diagnosis. The MRI confirmation reported by Shams Charania was more definitive.

On October 19, CNN Brasil also reported that an MRI had confirmed the injury and that Simmons would need surgery.

The comeback has been halted before the regular season begins. Shams Charania and L'Équipe described the injury as season-ending, while CBS Sports said Simmons was likely to miss the season.

For Sacramento, the immediate consequence is the loss of a player expected to start. For Simmons, it is another extended interruption, this time after the long rehabilitation that had brought him to the verge of returning.

Surgery is the next reported step, according to CNN Brasil. The supplied coverage does not give an operation date or a detailed rehabilitation timetable, leaving the timing of any eventual return unresolved.